Faster rendering method

Hi,

I've been wondering for a while now which method is faster for rendering:

> Use a shader (effect) to apply textures, materials, etc

> Or use the fixed function for materials, textures, etc and then apply effects as neccisary

I find it easier to just use effects for everything. Also is it possible to apply more than one effect to a mesh, on top of each other? Or do I have to write a specific effect? For example I write a simple effect to texture a mesh and then write a different shader to make it slightly reflective or whatever.

Thanks

[589 byte] By [Uberfly] at [2007-12-23]